6 Elements for Sleeping Well While Camping
Camping is a great way to escape and explore nature. But, it’s important to make sure you get good sleep during your trip. Poor quality sleep can lead to feeling groggy and tired throughout the day, negatively impacting your outdoor experience. Here are six elements to keep in mind and follow for sleeping well while camping.
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1. Choose the Right Campsite
When you’re selecting your campsite, the quality of your sleep should be at the forefront of your mind. Look for sites that are mostly level to ensure you don’t sleep at an angle. Trees or bushes can be good windbreaks — look for areas that don’t have too much or too little protection from the elements. Make sure there’s plenty of distance from other campers, and that the fire you want to have doesn’t get too close to your tent.
Also, pay attention to the ground. If it’s raining, avoid wet areas or places where water can pool. Rocks, sticks and other materials that might puncture your tent should be avoided as well.
2. Have the Right Gear
Having the right gear is essential for good sleep while camping. Make sure you take your tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and any other sleeping items that you need. To ensure a good night’s sleep, pay attention to the temperature rating on your accessories. A sleeping bag rated to 10°C won’t be enough if you’re camping in an area that’s going to get much colder during the night.
Also, always consider the size of the tent and the number of people who plan on staying in it. If one of your tentmates tosses and turns or snores, you’ll be glad you got the larger option.
3. Prepare Ahead of Time
Preparation is essential to ensure that you’re comfortable and ready for sleep. A few hours before bed, make sure your tent is the temperature you want. You should also prepare whatever snacks and drinks you want to have before bed.
If you’re camping somewhere along a hiking trail, try to hike during the day when possible and save the most strenuous parts for the morning. That way, you can rest up during the evening and feel tired enough to fall asleep quickly.
4. Exercise During the Day
It’s important to exercise during the day sparingly and moderately. Too much exercise can make it difficult to fall asleep, and strenuous activity can release adrenaline that’s hard to burn off. The ideal activity is something that gets your heart rate up a little bit but isn’t overly demanding.
If you’re feeling well-rested, take a quick hike or do some yoga. Ensure you have plenty of time for rest — taking naps during the day can leave you feeling more alert during the night.
Also, stay away from caffeine after 4:00 p.m. and try to limit food and drinks for a few hours before you go to sleep. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night needing to use the restroom.
5. Set Up a Resort-Like Experience
One way to ensure a great sleep while camping is to set up a resort-like environment. This involves making sure your tent is comfortable and that your sleeping area is arranged with cozy items like blankets, pillows, and even a small electric lantern. Make sure you bring a fan to create some white noise, which can be immensely helpful for blocking out any loud sounds from nature.
You may also want to bring some essential oils to add a soothing, relaxing scent to the air. Lastly, set aside a space for reading, as that can be a good way to unwind and relax before heading off to sleep.
6. Utilize Natural Light
Utilizing natural light throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to get better sleep while camping. The sun is your body’s natural way of identifying when you should be awake and when you should be asleep. During the day, make sure you get plenty of natural light. Head outside and do some exploring to ensure you get plenty of Vitamin D.
When the sun goes down, it’s time to wind down and start preparing for bed. Avoid watching television or using other electronic devices that emit blue light. Instead, go for a walk or read a book. This will help signal to your body that it’s time to relax and get some sleep.
The best part of camping is getting away from it all and creating a unique outdoor experience. But, getting a good night’s sleep while camping is just as important. By following the advice here, you can maximize your chances of getting a restful sleep while still enjoying the wonders of the great outdoors.